The body of the standard is typically a one-piece body. Anything below that level is typically multipiece. There are those who say the multi-piece bodies don't resonate as much and have a harder sound.
The Standard neck is bound, including the fret ends. The Special neck is unbound. The Standard with typically have a smoother feel along the edge as a result.
The pickups. From what I can tell the 61 Humbuckers will be fairly smooth with a little extra gain offered by their Alnico V magnets. The Special's Mini humbuckers will be brighter and closer in sound to a single-coil pickup. Since the all-mahogany SG starts out as a brighter, "pingier" guitar than the Les Paul, you'll have to decide which one is better for you.

I hope that helps!

Bob

__________________"It is said, 'Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes.' "Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion, The Fellowship of the Ring

I think that sums it up really well. I was comparing SG’s when I stumbled upon the Guild S-100 I picked up. Clearly modeled after the SG, it has certainly scratched that itch for me. Like the SG, sooo comfortable with similar tones. Everyone needs a guitar like an SG in their arsenal.

The body of the standard is typically a one-piece body. Anything below that level is typically multipiece. There are those who say the multi-piece bodies don't resonate as much and have a harder sound.
The Standard neck is bound, including the fret ends. The Special neck is unbound. The Standard with typically have a smoother feel along the edge as a result.
The pickups. From what I can tell the 61 Humbuckers will be fairly smooth with a little extra gain offered by their Alnico V magnets. The Special's Mini humbuckers will be brighter and closer in sound to a single-coil pickup. Since the all-mahogany SG starts out as a brighter, "pingier" guitar than the Les Paul, you'll have to decide which one is better for you.

I hope that helps!

Bob

I've got an SGJ with the '61 pickups and a Standard with 57 classics. The '61 pickups are hotter and a tad harsher too (not in a bad way). I don't think you can go wrong with any SG. It all comes down to the feel of the neck profile. Those two guitar necks are completely different (thick vs thin).